Cpngratulations on your report on how hard Westbourne Grove businesses have been hit by the colossal works undertaken in recent months by Thames Water.

Congratulations on your report on how hard Westbourne Grove businesses have been hit by the colossal works undertaken in recent months by Thames Water.

Local business people have so far received cold comfort from both the company and Westminster City Council in their quest for compensation.

The local Liberal Democrats surveyed businesses during the works, and the results made uncomfortable reading. Many small businesses, some of which have been operating for many years, have really suffered. Some businesses were even forced to sack employees. We are calling on the council to use its discretion to makeex-gratia payments to business owners hit by the works, equal to one year's business rates. That would get this first-class shopping street back on its feet, and perhaps even help to see those lost jobs return.